Stephan hails risk-takers QPR after vital win

Julien Stephan felt QPR were rewarded for taking risks in their 3-1 victory at Leicester.

Rangers, beaten in their previous four matches, and having failed to score during that dismal run, came from behind to get a much-needed win and lift the pressure.

The three points took them to the 50-mark generally seen as enough to be safe from relegation.

Head coach Stephan said: “A strong reaction from the players today after the last results. They showed great character, strong personality and good quality as well.”

Harvey Vale equalised after Jordan James had put the relegation-threatened Foxes ahead, and Ben Nelson’s own goal followed by Ronnie Edwards’ header secured the victory.

Stephan declared: “I think the players deserve this win. We’ve had a lot of disappointment but we stayed very positive with the players.

“We wanted to continue to push them to take some risks and play some good football – and they did that perfectly today.

“We found the solution and found the strong character to win this important game for us. It’s nice to see the players take responsibility with a strong mentality and with a perfect mindset today.

“It’s always important mentally to break a bad run. The only way to break that was to play good football – not to stay low on the pitch and only defend and hope at set-pieces. No. Play some football, take some risks.”